Dr Andrew Bowman

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick

Scientific Background

Research Interests

Our lab is interested in how genetic material is packaged in eukaryotes and the implications this has for biological processes. Within each cell of our body, we have nearly four metres of DNA distributed over 46 chromosomes which is sequestered in a nucleus of only 1000 μm3. Chromatin must, therefore, fulfil two conflicting roles: structure DNA so that genomic instability is minimised, but at the same time remain accessible to factors involved in transcription, replication and repair. In studying these contrary roles, our investigations span two length scales, namely the assembly of individual nucleosomes to form the 10 nm fibre and the mechanics of higher-order chromatin domains. To do this we utilise both in vitro biochemical approaches and advanced live-cell imaging.

Scientific Inspiration

Flemming, Jenner, Crick, Franklin, Brenner, Doudna….. who to choose? There are so many inspirational figures in biology & medicine!

Research Groups

Bowman Lab

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: Student-led, open-door, research-active.

Provision of Training

Initially led by myself at the bench. Specific equipment training provided by Research Technology Platforms (RPTs). As you progress I also encourage students to be proactive in seeking training/protocols/knowledge from others in the division and University as a whole.

Progression Monitoring and Management

Lab members should take ownership of their projects and be the main driving force behind them. As we are a small lab we are discussing our projects weekly, informally, and once a month in a lab meeting on a rotational basis.

Communication

I have an open-door policy. We have a Slack group, but notifications are turned off at weekends (for me at least!).

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:

In a group meeting

At least once per week

In year 1 of PhD study

At least once per month

In year 2 of PhD study

At least once per month

In year 3 of PhD study

At least once per month

These meetings will be ideally face to face, and I am usually contactable for an instant response on every working day.

Work Pattern

The timing of work in my lab is completely flexible, and (other than attending pre-arranged meetings), I expect students to manage their own time.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 2 week’s notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Current Projects (2025-26)

Primary supervisor for:

Probing the establishment of genomic architecture after nuclear confinement

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Probing the establishment of genomic architecture after nuclear confinement

Secondary Supervisor(s): Dr Aparna Ratheesh

University of Registration: University of Warwick

BBSRC Research Themes: Understanding the Rules of Life (Stem Cells, Structural Biology, Systems Biology)

Project Outline

A key focus of the post-genomics era is the role of three-dimensional positioning on gene expression and genomic integrity. In the Bowman lab at Warwick Medical School we are interested in chromatin structure and function. We investigate spatiotemporal movement of chromatin in living cells, observed and quantified using advanced imaging techniques, and its role genomic processes such as DNA repair, recombination and transcription. One particular interest we have developed, in cooperation with the Ratheesh lab, is the reestablishment of chromatin architecture after nuclear confinement during cell migration.

We have developed a chromatin labelling system based on a pulse of histone-GFP during replication^1,2, which produces distinct sets of 3D coordinates (up to 300 individual foci) that can act as a reference network in analysing genomic deformations upon nuclear constriction. We want to combine this with the expertise from the Ratheesh lab in the mechanobiology of macrophage migration^3,4 to investigate the consequences of spatial confinement on nuclear physiology.

Initially we will look at individual cells in a confiner (a device used to constrict cellular dimensions) using spinning disk confocal microscopy, and latter develop custom setups compatible with our 3i Lattice LightSheet microscope. From our network of genomic reference points, we will be calculate the forces impacting the nucleus upon deformation, and be able to observe in real time how genomic DNA reassembled itself so that heterochromatin and euchromatin are in the correct spatial position relative to the nuclear lamina. Further along, we would like to address how confinement impacts nuclear processes and whether genomic stress has a role in the epigenetic state of cells. This is important as cancer cells transitioning to metastasis have to overcome such stresses in order to invade surrounding tissues⁵

References

1 Apta-Smith, MJ et al. (2018). EMBO J 37, e98714 //

2 Pardal, AJ & Bowman, AJ. (2022). eLife 11, e81755 //

3 Akhmanova, M et al. (2022). Science 376, 394–396 //

4 Blackley, DG et al. (2021). Semin Cell Dev Biol 120, 66–74 //

5 Denais, CM et al. (2016). Science 352, 353–358 //

Techniques

Live cell imagining
Microfabrication
Modelling
Cell biology (maintain/manipulating cell lines)